self-defense
nouncommon in dialogue
- United States
The means of defending oneself from physical attack.
noun
- 1
The means of defending oneself from physical attack.
Nearly all the women are wearing a hijab, one of the reasons they’re in this self-defense class in Antioch, Tennessee, a community nestled next to Nashville. For three hours, these Muslim women learn Krav Maga and Brazilian jiu-jitsu defense moves, including kicks, punches and elbow strikes that will help them escape an attacker.
- 2
The right to protect oneself against violence by using reasonable force, which can be used as justification in several charges including murder, assault, and battery.
The case inspired widespread rallies and “Million Hoodie Marches” in early 2012, after Sanford, Fla., police refused to charge Zimmerman with a crime, saying they couldn’t counter his self-defense claim. A special state prosecutor indicted him 44 days later. The trial began June 10.
Etymology
From self- + defense. First used by Hobbes in the 1650s.
Forms
- plural
- self-defenses
self-defense · The means of defending oneself from physical attack.
self-destruct · To destroy oneself or itself.self-esteem · Confidence in one's own worth; self-respect.self-respect · The knowledge of one's own worth.